Survey Starts Jury Process In Kilpatrick Trial
DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - Hundreds of people have been called to the Detroit federal courthouse to fill out a jury questionnaire in the corruption trial of former Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick.
Kilpatrick, his father Bernard Kilpatrick, pal Bobby Ferguson and ex-Detroit water boss Victor Mercado are required to be in court Wednesday when Judge Nancy Edmunds greets prospective jurors on another floor and explains the 22-page questionnaire.
After years of publicity about Kilpatrick and his scandalous time at Detroit city hall, the judge wants to screen a large pool of jurors. The goal is to start interviewing a certain number of them in court on Sept. 6.
Opening statements could occur Sept. 14 in a trial that will last months.
The 38-count indictment alleges corruption regarding city contracts totaling at least $100 million, involving racketeering conspiracy, extortion, fraud, bribery and tax evasion. The charges carry penalties ranging from three to 30 years in prison.
Prosecutors say the Kilpatricks ran a brazen pay-to-play scheme in which they took kickbacks and bribes to steer city business to certain contractors, especially Ferguson and Mercado — robbing taxpayers of millions of dollars.
All four men have maintained their innocence.
Stay with WWJ Newsradio 950 and CBSDetroit.com for continuing coverage.
MORE: Former Detroit Mayor: I'm Not Going Back To Prison
Taxpayer-Funded Jury Adviser Sought In Detroit Corruption Case
Indictment Alleges City Corruption, Bribery, Fraud
TM and © Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
